Israel Drops 153 Tonnes of Bombs on Gaza After Ceasefire Breach, Says Netanyahu:

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday, October 20, 2025, that the Israeli military dropped 153 tonnes (approximately 337,000 pounds) of bombs on targets in Gaza. The strikes came in response to what Israel described as a ceasefire violation by the Palestinian group Hamas. The announcement followed deadly clashes over the weekend. On Sunday, October 19, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale wave of airstrikes after two Israeli soldiers were killed in what was reportedly a surprise attack. Israel has directly blamed Hamas for the assault, although the group has denied any involvement, saying it had no knowledge of the incident. Addressing the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) on Monday, Netanyahu delivered a strong message: “One of our hands holds a weapon, the other hand is stretched out for peace,” he said. “You make peace with the strong, not the weak. Today, Israel is stronger than ever before.” Netanyahu's remarks come at a time when the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas had been holding relatively firm for several months, raising hopes for long-term stability in the region. However, the recent flare-up has once again underscored how fragile the peace remains. The Israeli Prime Minister framed the operation as a necessary defensive response, asserting that Israel will not tolerate attacks on its soldiers or threats to its security. The scale of the airstrikes indicates the seriousness with which the government views the alleged breach. Palestinian authorities in Gaza have reported significant damage from the airstrikes, though the exact number of casualties is still being assessed. The humanitarian situation in the densely populated enclave continues to worsen, with international observers expressing concern about the growing toll on civilians. This latest round of violence adds to the already complex landscape of Israeli-Palestinian relations, which have seen repeated cycles of conflict and uneasy truces. While Israel maintains that its actions are in self-defense, Palestinian leaders argue that the ongoing blockade and military actions only deepen the humanitarian crisis. As calls for restraint grow louder from the international community, both sides face increasing pressure to return to the negotiating table and avoid another prolonged conflict.

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